JCPenney Store Closures 2025 – Introduction: What’s Happening?
JCPenney Store Closures 2025 , one of America’s most iconic department store chains, has announced another round of store closures in 2025. As part of its broader strategy to stay competitive in the rapidly changing retail industry, JCPenney will be shutting down multiple store locations across the United States. This blog covers everything you need to know about JCPenney closing stores, including the affected locations, reasons for the closures, and what this means for shoppers.
JCPenney Store Closures in 2025: Full List
As of May 2025, JCPenney plans to close eight locations nationwide. Here is the confirmed list of stores shutting down:
- California – The Shops at Tanforan, San Bruno
- Colorado – The Shops at Northfield, Denver
- Idaho – Pine Ridge Mall, Pocatello
- Kansas – West Ridge Mall, Topeka
- Maryland – Annapolis Mall, Annapolis (Closure postponed due to lease extension)
- New Hampshire – Mall at Fox Run, Newington
- North Carolina – Asheville Mall, Asheville
- West Virginia – Charleston Town Center, Charleston
These closures are part of JCPenney’s ongoing restructuring efforts following its 2020 bankruptcy.
Reasons Why Is JCPenney Closing Stores?
There are several key reasons why JCPenney is closing stores in 2025:
1. Post-Bankruptcy Restructuring
Since its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2020, JCPenney has been working to streamline its operations and focus on profitable locations. Over 200 stores have already been closed since the initial restructuring began.
2. Decline in Brick-and-Mortar Retail
The rise of online shopping has dramatically reduced foot traffic in traditional shopping malls. JCPenney is choosing to close underperforming stores and instead invest in e-commerce and select high-traffic locations.
3. Lease Expirations
Many of the 2025 closures are tied to lease agreements that have expired or are no longer financially sustainable. In some cases, landlords and the company couldn’t come to terms on renewals.
It Means for Shoppers
For customers, the closure of JCPenney stores means:
- Huge Clearance Sales: As part of the closure process, stores will hold liquidation events with discounts of up to 90% on apparel, home goods, and more.
- Fewer Physical Locations: Shoppers in affected cities will have to turn to online shopping or travel to the nearest store.
- Stronger Online Focus: JCPenney is ramping up its online presence and improving its digital shopping experience to retain customer loyalty.
JCPenney’s Plans After Store Closures
Despite the downsizing, JCPenney is not disappearing. In fact, the company is taking strategic steps to reinvent itself:
Formation of Catalyst Brands
In January 2025, JCPenney merged with SPARC Group, creating Catalyst Brands, a retail powerhouse that now oversees not only JCPenney but also major brands like Brooks Brothers, Aéropostale, and Eddie Bauer.
This merger aims to create a more agile and modern retail organization capable of competing with fast-growing online platforms and big-box retailers.
Commitment to Core Customers
JCPenney has publicly stated that it remains committed to its loyal customer base and will continue to provide quality products, especially in key categories like apparel, home furnishings, and beauty.
How Many JCPenney Stores Are Still Open?
After the upcoming closures, JCPenney will still operate over 650 stores across the U.S. While this is a significant reduction from its peak of over 1,100 locations in the early 2000s, it remains one of the largest department store chains in the country.
Industry Insight: A Broader Retail Trend
JCPenney isn’t alone in facing challenges. Analysts predict that 15,000 retail stores across the U.S. may close in 2025—more than double the number in 2024. This includes closures from other major retailers like Macy’s, Rite Aid, and CVS.
Common Factors Driving Closures:
- Shift to online shopping
- High operating costs
- Expired leases in struggling malls
- Changing consumer habits post-pandemic
While the news of JCPenney closing stores in 2025 may worry loyal customers, it is part of a larger strategy to adapt and survive in a fast-evolving retail world. The closures, though unfortunate for local communities, are a step toward a leaner, more focused company that is better positioned for future growth.
As a customer, you can still enjoy JCPenney’s offerings either by visiting their remaining stores or shopping online, where the company is investing heavily in improved digital experiences and personalized shopping.
When discussing the closures:
According to a press release from JCPenney, the company aims to streamline operations and focus on high-performing locations.